Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice

Tender strips of chicken bathed in a buttery, garlicky sauce alongside fragrant garlic Parmesan rice – this Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate comfort meal that brings restaurant quality right to your dinner table. The succulent chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Traditional scampi gets a delicious makeover in this complete meal that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknights. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the chicken so it remains juicy while creating a rice side dish that could easily steal the show on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice is about to become your new favorite meal for so many reasons. First, it combines two beloved dishes into one spectacular dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprising ease. The contrast between the tender, succulent chicken and the creamy, al dente rice creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting.

The sauce is where the magic happens – rich butter, fresh garlic, bright lemon, and white wine create that classic scampi flavor that coats both the chicken and infuses the rice. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates both components to restaurant-worthy status.

What truly sets this dish apart is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a Tuesday family dinner, this meal strikes the perfect balance between impressive and achievable. Plus, everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it practical for any night of the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

The key to this Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice is using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for the most vibrant flavor. High-quality Parmesan cheese that you grate yourself will melt beautifully into the rice, creating that creamy texture that makes this dish special.

Pro Tips

Getting your Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice perfect every time comes down to a few critical techniques:

First, don’t crowd the chicken in the pan. Cook it in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space. This ensures proper browning rather than steaming, which is crucial for developing that golden exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside. A quick 2-3 minutes per side is all it takes—overcooking will result in tough chicken.

For the perfect scampi sauce, timing is everything. Add the garlic only after reducing the heat to prevent burning, which would create bitterness. When adding wine, let it bubble vigorously to cook off the alcohol while concentrating the flavors. This deglazing step also incorporates all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken into your sauce.

The rice’s creaminess comes from a specific technique: toast the rice in butter before adding liquid, which creates individual grains that remain distinct yet creamy. Then, once cooked, let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes off heat before adding the Parmesan. This rest period allows the rice to finish absorbing moisture, while adding cheese to hot-but-not-boiling rice prevents it from becoming stringy or separating.

Instructions

Step 1

Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

Start the garlic Parmesan rice by melting 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir to coat with butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges.

Step 3

Pour the chicken broth into the rice, add ½ teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat but keep covered.

Step 4

While the rice cooks, return to your chicken skillet. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds (watch carefully to prevent burning).

Step 5

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes, creating a flavorful sauce base.

Step 6

Return the chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and gently toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is reheated and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in most of the parsley, reserving some for garnish.

Step 7

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the remaining chopped parsley, saving a little for garnish if desired.

Step 8

Serve the chicken scampi over or alongside the garlic Parmesan rice, spooning extra sauce over both. Garnish with the reserved parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Variations

For a lighter version of Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth and reduce the butter by half. The dish will still maintain its flavor profile while cutting back on calories. You can also swap the white rice for brown rice (adjusting cooking time to about 35-40 minutes) for added fiber and nutty flavor.

Create a seafood twist by replacing half or all of the chicken with shrimp or scallops. Cook the seafood for less time than chicken—about 1-2 minutes per side for shrimp until they turn pink, or 2-3 minutes per side for scallops until they develop a golden crust. This variation honors the original scampi tradition while offering a delicious alternative.

For those seeking a vegetable boost, add 2 cups of baby spinach or asparagus pieces during the final minute of cooking the chicken scampi. The residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly while maintaining their vibrant color and nutrients, creating a complete one-pan meal.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken with sauce and rice in separate containers. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice to restore moisture, and warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out.

This dish makes a stunning presentation served family-style on a large platter with the golden chicken arranged over a bed of the creamy rice, with extra sauce drizzled over the top and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. For an elegant dinner party, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

For a complete weeknight dinner, serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccolini that can cook in the oven while you prepare the main dish. The green vegetables provide a beautiful color contrast and complement the rich flavors of the scampi and rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in more tender meat. Slice them into strips and follow the same cooking instructions, possibly adding an extra minute to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or additional lemon juice to maintain the acidic component that makes scampi sauce so bright.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead: cook the rice and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat with a splash of broth. The chicken can be sliced and seasoned a day ahead, and the entire dish can be fully cooked and gently reheated, though the chicken may not remain quite as tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice is naturally gluten-free as written. Just verify that your chicken broth is gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic. You could also finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil for heat without altering the core flavors.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi And Garlic Parmesan Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken and creamy rice brought together by a buttery garlic sauce that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion dining, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family on a weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity.

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